Disney Store - Yuck.

the reality is that there aren't enough of us. If all that unique 90's merchandise had sold well-enough, it would still be there. It obviously didn't sell enough & the DS were not making enough profit to justify having it in stock.
Well it is deeper than that. The 1990s Disney Store was a reflection of the times, when boutique, studio logoware was "in". It was a passing interest in the minds of the American retail customer. By 2001, Americans had simply lost interest. Something that had been viable became non-viable. Warner Brothers closed their stores long before Disney did, Disney figuring that their stronger brand would keep their enterprise going longer, and it probably did. However, the market never rematerialized.
 
I just yesterday went to the King of Prussia PA Disney Store and frequent the stores in Deptford, Cherry Hill, and Mays Landing NJ. I say frequent because, like most of you on these boards, I love seeing anything Disney. No, the "new" stores don't do a lot for me. Once in a while I buy a T-shirt or a cute stuffed on clearance, but there is not much to lure adults in. It has also lost my 8 year old son. I feel they are missing the marketing board, irregardless of who owns them. The stores are never busy. I am a disappointed Disney fan.
 

I was in the NYC DS and it is awesome. Why? because it is the only one owned by Disney. The only place you can get Disney merchandise that has a WDW logo/tag on it is in WDW,DTD and NYC store. I was talking to a CM while I was in line.

My local DS is definately gone downhill in a big way. I use to be able to buy baby clothes, boys clothes, purses and really cute collectibles. But no more. I have two boys and the only thing I could buy for them is bathing suit or PJ's and of course t-shirts. That is it. NO shorts, pants or anything to go with the t-shirt. But when you look on the other side of the store - the girls have really cute outfits.

So I have stopped going.

:sad1:
 
Honeybehr1 said:
I was in the NYC DS and it is awesome. Why? because it is the only one owned by Disney. The only place you can get Disney merchandise that has a WDW logo/tag on it is in WDW,DTD and NYC store. I was talking to a CM while I was in line.

My local DS is definately gone downhill in a big way. I use to be able to buy baby clothes, boys clothes, purses and really cute collectibles. But no more. I have two boys and the only thing I could buy for them is bathing suit or PJ's and of course t-shirts. That is it. NO shorts, pants or anything to go with the t-shirt. But when you look on the other side of the store - the girls have really cute outfits.

So I have stopped going.

:sad1:

If you ever get the chance to go back, they have some nice boys clothes now, realy nice denim jeans in different washes (not covered in charcters) lined wind pants and matching jackets and a nice selection of long and short sleeved shirts (not t's) for boys too.

There is also a new infant line coming in too.
 
Just went to the DS today that is located in the Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT. Definitely not the same store that it used to be - entrance is very plain - white with these large Mickey ears that you walk thru (the doorway). Cute carpeting is gone - basically just regular floor with a couple of "sections" of selected rug in specific store locations.

A number of back to school things on 50% off already and really the other stuff that is there is stuff that I could probably get in other stores if I looked hard enough. There are stuffed animals, pjs, average looking T's (nothing that is unique) and a very, very small selection of toy items. There are no trading pins to speak of like there has been in the past.

You can however still purchase park hopper passes to WDW there which is good (I guess).

Might return there at some point, but would not go out of my way. Rather would go to the NYC Disney Store! At least there you really feel like you are in WDW - there are character greetings, princess crownings, pins, collectibles, and possibly everything else that you can get in one of the stores at WDW. The cast members will even trade pins with you (I did that for a Cinco De Mayo 2003 pin when I was there!)

Hope the info helps you out. :wizard:
 
Honeybehr1 said:
I was in the NYC DS and it is awesome. Why? because it is the only one owned by Disney. The only place you can get Disney merchandise that has a WDW logo/tag on it is in WDW,DTD and NYC store. I was talking to a CM while I was in line.

My local DS is definately gone downhill in a big way. I use to be able to buy baby clothes, boys clothes, purses and really cute collectibles. But no more. I have two boys and the only thing I could buy for them is bathing suit or PJ's and of course t-shirts. That is it. NO shorts, pants or anything to go with the t-shirt. But when you look on the other side of the store - the girls have really cute outfits.

So I have stopped going.

:sad1:



First off, did the DS ever have "WDW" tagged stuff? If you mean "Disney" tagged merch, it's all "Disney" tagged stuff. Second, you say they have no shorts, pants, or anything to go with a t-shirt for boys. I can see the shorts argument. But they sell boys' jeans. What other types of pants have you ever seen? And what other accessories do boys wear? The reason there is more girls' merch is because they are more accessible. Instead of speaking in vaguaries, be specifiic. Besides shorts, what boys' merch do you want to see that other stores have or that DS used to carry? You admit you can get bathing suits, pj's, & shirts for your boys. What else is there besides shorts{which I agreed to but is only 1 item} & pants which they do have?
 
I agree with alot that has been said here. Our society has become accustomed to buying things on sale, and not a regular price. I remember when The Disney Store had one sale per quarter. That was the only time stuff went on sale. The problem was, the company opened too many of the stores. When I worked at KP and they opened a store at Plymouth Meeting, some of our buisness was lost to that store, as people who lived closer to it went there instead.

The funny part is that people would complain about the price of a t-shirt at TDS, but the price is higher at WDW (and you pay sales tax onit, you would not in PA), yet people rarely complain about the price to me. It's a mind set.

I look forward to the new TDS in the months to come. :)
 
IStoleMyKidsPins said:
First off, did the DS ever have "WDW" tagged stuff? If you mean "Disney" tagged merch, it's all "Disney" tagged stuff. Second, you say they have no shorts, pants, or anything to go with a t-shirt for boys. I can see the shorts argument. But they sell boys' jeans. What other types of pants have you ever seen? And what other accessories do boys wear? The reason there is more girls' merch is because they are more accessible. Instead of speaking in vaguaries, be specifiic. Besides shorts, what boys' merch do you want to see that other stores have or that DS used to carry? You admit you can get bathing suits, pj's, & shirts for your boys. What else is there besides shorts{which I agreed to but is only 1 item} & pants which they do have?


I thought long ago, the Disney Store DID sell merchandise that said WDW. It was a long time ago but I remember forgetting a souvenier for someone and going to the DS and buying one but I could be wrong - it was a long time ago. I did not mean "Disney" tagged stuff - I meant it was tagged with a "WDW tag"

As for the second part - I thought I wrote in specifics and not vaguely. But I will try again. At the Disney store I go to there are NO BOTTOMS except swimwear. So if you want an outfit for a boy you buy a t-shirt and swim trunks. There are no shorts, pants, jeans, overalls and such. I dont understand why you are getting defensive saying they have this stuff what more could I want - umm perhaps something to wear besides swim trunks and PJ's. Not sure if that is specific enough.

What I would like my Disney store to carry for boys would be: shorts, pants, denim jacket would be real cute.
 
Honeybehr1 said:
I thought long ago, the Disney Store DID sell merchandise that said WDW. It was a long time ago but I remember forgetting a souvenier for someone and going to the DS and buying one but I could be wrong - it was a long time ago. I did not mean "Disney" tagged stuff - I meant it was tagged with a "WDW tag"

As for the second part - I thought I wrote in specifics and not vaguely. But I will try again. At the Disney store I go to there are NO BOTTOMS except swimwear. So if you want an outfit for a boy you buy a t-shirt and swim trunks. There are no shorts, pants, jeans, overalls and such. I dont understand why you are getting defensive saying they have this stuff what more could I want - umm perhaps something to wear besides swim trunks and PJ's. Not sure if that is specific enough.

What I would like my Disney store to carry for boys would be: shorts, pants, denim jacket would be real cute.




First off, I agreed with you about the shorts. 2nd, there ARE boys jeans at DS. If not at yours, that's a totally separate issue. But the DS do sell boys' jeans. And unless I'm mistaken I recall jean jackets recently as well. But I can't say for sure. My point was that there aren't as many boys' accessories as there are for girls in general because by nature boys don't do outfits as often as girls do. And some of those accessories are carried. I'm curious, you said you used to buy these items for your boys. How long ago was this & how old are your boys now?
 
IStoleMyKidsPins said:
First off, I agreed with you about the shorts. 2nd, there ARE boys jeans at DS. If not at yours, that's a totally separate issue. But the DS do sell boys' jeans. And unless I'm mistaken I recall jean jackets recently as well. But I can't say for sure. My point was that there aren't as many boys' accessories as there are for girls in general because by nature boys don't do outfits as often as girls do. And some of those accessories are carried. I'm curious, you said you used to buy these items for your boys. How long ago was this & how old are your boys now?


I think your missing what I am saying. I dont dispute the fact that there are some DS that carry boys shorts, jeans and such but mine doesnt. I was there two weeks ago and they had swim trunks and pj's and t-shirts. That is it.
My son is 7 and when he was little I use to buy baby things, and toddler items so it must have been 7 yrs ago. I honestly cant remember the exact year I bought bottoms there but it has been a while.
The last year they havent had any and this summer I wanted to buy some cute shorts but unless I want him to wear Lizzie Maguire ones - I am out of luck.
All DS are not created equal but unless they carry a variety of items, they are going to continue loosing customers. I shop at CP for 7yr old and his pants. So hopefully CP will smarten up and smack some Mickey Mouse ears on their pants and ship 'em to the DS
 
You did not mention your location, so I'm not sure which store you're referring to. It sounds like you were there for the summer clearance, just before they put the new denim jeans out. They are awesome...they start at size 2 and go up to size 12, in two different washes. They even have adjustable waistbands! There aren't any denim jackets right now, but they do have canvas varsity jackets in Buzz, Incredibles and Power Rangers. As someone else mentioned there are outfits for boys with pants, jackets and long sleeved rugbys or shirts, and even shoes to match. Prices on most merchandise is lower than it was last year (an example is adult hooded fleece...$39.50 last year, $26.50 this year...and the quality is better too!) There are also baseball caps for boys, girls and adults. My store just received new long sleeved t-shirts in a variety of characters.

Provide the Cast Members at your store with feedback such as you post here, it could be sent up the chain. I've heard that CP is listening carefully and responding as quickly as possible to guests' wants and needs. :)
 
Honeybehr1 said:
I thought long ago, the Disney Store DID sell merchandise that said WDW. It was a long time ago but I remember forgetting a souvenier for someone and going to the DS and buying one but I could be wrong - it was a long time ago. I did not mean "Disney" tagged stuff - I meant it was tagged with a "WDW tag"

As for the second part - I thought I wrote in specifics and not vaguely. But I will try again. At the Disney store I go to there are NO BOTTOMS except swimwear. So if you want an outfit for a boy you buy a t-shirt and swim trunks. There are no shorts, pants, jeans, overalls and such. I dont understand why you are getting defensive saying they have this stuff what more could I want - umm perhaps something to wear besides swim trunks and PJ's. Not sure if that is specific enough.

What I would like my Disney store to carry for boys would be: shorts, pants, denim jacket would be real cute.
The Disney store absolutely sold merchandise with The Disney Store label inside of the clothing. It was there in 1990 and there until I left the stores in 2001.
 
I went to the Disney store yesterday and they had just gotten in infant clothing a couple of days ago. They did have boys jeans and a jacket(only size 2-3 Guess they havent gotten a complete shipment yet)

They did have back packs on clearance for 5.99, lunch boxes for 3.99 and a MM tote bag for 3.99

Good deals
 







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